Houston Weight Loss Surgery Options

How Does Weight Loss Surgery Work?

Bariatric surgery is the clinical term for several different weight loss surgeries. The procedures use one or both of two approaches to help patients lose weight and improve or resolve their obesity-related medical conditions, known as co-morbid conditions.

What are the Types of Weight Loss Surgeries?

Restrictive Procedures

In restrictive surgery, the surgeon creates a small stomach pouch that limits the amount of food patients can eat. The smaller stomach pouch fills quickly, which helps patients feel satisfied with less food.

Malabsorptive Procedures

During malabsorptive procedures, the surgeon re-routes the small intestine so that food skips a portion of it. The small intestine absorbs calories and nutrients from food, so avoiding part of the small intestine means that many calories and nutrients are not absorbed.

Combination Procedures

Certain procedures use both restriction and malabsorption. For example, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery uses a combination of restriction and malabsorption. During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small pouch. The surgeon then attaches a Y-shaped section of the small intestine directly to the stomach pouch. This allows food to bypass a large portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. The smaller stomach pouch causes patients to feel fuller sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means the patient's body absorbs fewer calories.

These different methods work to help you lose excess weight, lower your BMI, and transform your health by resolving or improving co-morbid conditions. Weight loss surgery has many benefits that can lead to a healthier, higher quality of life.

NewStart is committed to providing the information you need to determine whether weight loss surgery is right for you. The best way to know if you are eligible for surgery is to watch an educational presentation followed by a short quiz.